How to Reset Your Ice Maker on a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator

The quickest way to reset your Whirlpool ice maker

Most Whirlpool French door refrigerators have an ice maker reset button located inside the freezer compartment, usually on the back wall or on the side of the ice maker housing itself. Press and hold this button for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a click or chime—that sound means the reset has taken effect. The ice maker will then run a test cycle, which takes about 10 minutes. During this time, you may hear water flowing and the ice maker working; this is normal.

If you cannot find a physical reset button, your model likely uses a soft reset instead. Unplug the refrigerator from the wall outlet, wait 5 minutes, then plug it back in. This clears the ice maker's memory and forces it to restart. After either method, give the ice maker 24 hours to produce its first batch of ice, as it needs time to fill the reservoir and freeze.

Key Takeaways

• The reset button on most Whirlpool French door models is inside the freezer, on the ice maker housing or back wall.
• Press and hold the button for 3 to 5 seconds until you hear a click, then wait 10 minutes for the test cycle to complete.
• If there is no physical button, unplug the refrigerator for 5 minutes and plug it back in to perform a soft reset.
• After resetting, allow 24 hours for ice production to resume, as the system needs time to refill and refreeze.
• Check that the water supply line is connected and the freezer temperature is set to 0°F or below before assuming the reset failed.

Locating the reset button on your specific model

Whirlpool ice makers vary slightly by model year and door configuration. On most French door units, the reset button is a small, recessed switch mounted directly on the ice maker assembly. Open your freezer and look at the ice maker bin—the button is often on the front face, near the bottom, or on the side panel closest to the refrigerator wall. Some models place it on the back wall of the freezer itself, above or beside where the ice maker sits.

If you are having trouble finding it, check your refrigerator's use and care manual. Whirlpool includes a diagram showing the exact location for your model number. You can find this manual by visiting Whirlpool's website and entering your model number (usually printed on a sticker inside the refrigerator, on the side wall or back wall of the fridge compartment). The manual will also show you whether your model has a reset button or requires unplugging.

What happens during the ice maker test cycle

When you press the reset button, the ice maker enters a diagnostic test cycle that lasts about 10 minutes. During this time, you will hear the water inlet valve open and close, the ice maker motor run, and possibly the ice dispenser motor engage. These sounds are expected and mean the reset is working. The ice maker is checking its own systems and confirming that water can flow to the freezer compartment.

Do not interrupt this cycle by opening the freezer door repeatedly or pressing the button again. Let it run to completion. After the test cycle finishes, the ice maker returns to normal operation mode. It will begin filling with water and freezing ice, but the first batch may take 12 to 24 hours to appear in the bin, depending on your freezer temperature and how much ice was already present.

Checking the water supply line before you reset

A reset will not produce ice if the water supply line is disconnected, kinked, or frozen. Before you press the reset button, take a moment to inspect the line that runs from the back of your refrigerator to your home's water source. This line is usually a thin plastic or copper tube. Make sure it is not bent sharply, pinched behind the refrigerator, or covered in frost.

If the line appears frozen, unplug the refrigerator and let it sit for a few hours in a warm room. You can also use a hair dryer on low heat to gently warm the line, but do not use high heat or a heat gun, as these can damage the tubing. Once the line thaws, plug the refrigerator back in and perform your reset. If the line is disconnected at either end, reconnect it firmly—it should click or screw on, depending on your model.

Setting the freezer temperature after a reset

After resetting the ice maker, confirm that your freezer temperature is set correctly. Whirlpool ice makers require the freezer to be at 0°F or colder to freeze ice properly. If the temperature is warmer than this, ice will not form, and you may think the reset failed when the real problem is warmth.

Check your refrigerator's control panel or digital display. Most Whirlpool French door models have a freezer temperature dial or buttons on the front of the unit or inside the fridge compartment. Set the freezer to 0°F and the refrigerator to 37°F to 40°F. Wait 4 to 6 hours for the freezer to reach the target temperature, then check whether ice is forming. If the temperature was already correct, the reset should begin producing ice within 24 hours.

Troubleshooting if the reset does not work

If you have reset the ice maker and waited 24 hours but still see no ice, check these common issues. First, confirm the water supply line is connected and not frozen. Second, verify the freezer temperature is at 0°F or below. Third, look inside the ice maker bin to see if there is a stuck ice cube or debris blocking the ejector arm—if so, remove it by hand or with a plastic tool.

If the ice maker still does not work after checking these items, the water inlet valve, fill tube, or motor may need service. At this point, contact Whirlpool customer service or a may have access to appliance repair technician. Provide them with your model number and a description of what you have already tried. Many repairs are covered under warranty if your refrigerator is less than one year old, so check your paperwork before paying for a service call.

When to unplug versus using the reset button

Use the physical reset button if your model has one—it is faster and does not interrupt power to the entire refrigerator. A soft reset (unplugging) is useful if you cannot find the button, if the button does not seem to work, or if the ice maker is completely unresponsive. Unplugging also clears any error codes the ice maker may have stored in its memory.

However, unplugging does have a drawback: it temporarily stops the compressor, which means your refrigerator will warm up slightly during those 5 minutes. For this reason, only unplug when necessary, and do it during a time when your kitchen is cool. If you unplug, make sure to plug the refrigerator back into the same outlet and wait at least 5 minutes before plugging it in again—plugging it back in too quickly can damage the compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for ice to appear after I reset the ice maker?

The first batch of ice usually appears within 12 to 24 hours after a reset. The ice maker needs time to fill its reservoir with water and freeze it solid. If your freezer is warmer than 0°F or if the water supply line was recently connected, it may take closer to 24 hours. Do not assume the reset failed until you have waited a full day.

Can I reset the ice maker while the refrigerator is plugged in?

Yes. If your model has a physical reset button, you can press it while the refrigerator is running. The button is designed to be used this way. If you are doing a soft reset by unplugging, make sure to unplug it from the wall outlet, not just turn off a power switch, and wait 5 minutes before plugging it back in.

What if the reset button is stuck or will not click?

A stuck button usually means ice or debris has built up around it. Try gently pressing it with a plastic tool or the handle of a wooden spoon rather than your finger—this gives you more leverage. If it still will not budge, do not force it; instead, perform a soft reset by unplugging the refrigerator for 5 minutes. If the button remains stuck after that, contact Whirlpool service, as the button mechanism may need replacement.

Do I need to turn off the ice maker before resetting it?

No. Most Whirlpool ice makers do not have an on/off switch. The reset button works regardless of whether the ice maker is currently running or idle. If your model does have an ice maker switch (usually a small lever inside the freezer), you can leave it in the on position while you reset.

Will resetting the ice maker erase my refrigerator's settings?

A reset of the ice maker alone will not change your refrigerator temperature settings, water filter status, or other preferences. Only a full power reset (unplugging the entire refrigerator) might affect these settings on older models, though most modern Whirlpool refrigerators retain settings even after unplugging. If you are concerned, write down your current temperature settings before unplugging.